Interview with Alligator wrestler Richard Bowers

Wrestlers

Performers

Fieldwork

Interviews

Local history

Oral histories

Life histories

Personal experience narratives

Seminole Indians

Indian reservations

Alligators

Animals

Performing arts

Occupational groups

Occupational training

Tourism

Two audio cassettes. Bowers, an alligator wrestler at Native Village near Hollywood Reservation, was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1955. In the interview, he discusses growing up in a rural family and learning to alligator wrestle after a 4-H agent suggested he try it. He learned the practice from Johnny Buck, an old alligator wrestler. He explains how he received his first job from Chairman Billie and says never had any serious injuries. In addition, he discusses the relationship that grew between the Seminoles and alligators; how the Seminoles view alligator wrestling; how the capture the alligators; codes and regulations; the biggest alligator he wrestled (one that was 10 feet long); alligators' differing personalities and their aggressiveness; praying to thank the alligator after a wrestling match; wrestling techniques and other issues.

State Archives of Florida, Series S1576

1983-05-04

Florida Folklife Program

sound recordings

audiocassettes

Sound

a_s1576_10_c83-109

S1576

10

C83-109

C83-110

Library Folklife Program

Dyen, Doris J.

Bowers, Richard, 1955-

Native American

Seminole Indian

mp3false

4547

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